He had come far since his days as a researcher at League of Planet's predecessor Earth Agency. Fed up with constricting routine, he'd struck out on his own. An independent braving outer space, he made his own rules.

As Kioko put it, "Eddie has an amazing intellect!"

"And dynamite in his fists!" Spunky would add.

But the captain had learned the value of uniting with allies, when cooperation toward a shared goal promised advantage.

He watched as Kioko's slender fingers flew across her on-board tele-putor's command console. "Spunky, ease up on accelerators 5 and 7! Earth's League of Planets headquarters is right below us!"

The flyer flicked appropriate toggles. The X-9 began descent. "Can't even see the landing port, from this altitude!" Spunky grinned. "But who'm I to face off with navigational data?!"

"Yeah!" Spunky cracked. "When playing by the rules isn't good enough!"

Captain Atomic shelved the Saucer Log II. "I've learned a lot from McGuffin over the years! He's on the square, for my money!"

Spunky threw over the governing-mandate lever. The X-9 settled into final ground capture.

Kioko snatched up her compact. "I have just moments to prepare for greeting!"

"Man, oh man!" Spunky affected gruffness, as he locked the aerodynamic craft into End Mode. "We're about to land, and all she's thinking about is pretty war paint!"

Eddie chuckled, and formalized the disembarking process. The ship's inner exit whirred to one side.

"Come on, let's find the Commander!" He strode toward the door. "And, Spunk," the burly captain dropped his voice, conspiratorially. "I'd take it easy on our girl here, if I were you! She's gotten us out of a couple of jams, as I recall!"

Commander McGuffin took the Galactic Academy Class of 2019 graduation photo from his office wall. His classmates had scattered. Bigsby had become a laboratory master-analyst. Matthews, an grand-archivist. Collingsworth, a researcher. Stevenson had taken to drink and gone into the show business.

One fellow was absent. Khabarrah Khoom. McGuffin sighed. Odd duck. The mysterious, exotic Khoom had been his roomate. Driven nearly to madness by his quest for scientific knowledge and immortality. So many tortured nights of chemical experimentation. So many fruitless bids for breakthroughs.

And then, the explosion in the abandoned laboratory Khoom had refurbished. The terrible fire. Young Khabarrah Khoom had been horribly disfigured. His dreams dashed, the tortured wretch had vanished. Never to be heard from, again.

Until now. McGuffin looked to the letter he held. "Great danger looms on Earth's horizon, but do not be foolish. Other planets have found reason and discretion to be salvational. Anger and violence will beget only Earth's destruction. I will soon explain further. Khabarrah."

The desk intercom buzzed. "Commander McGuffin," said the secretary. "Earth Agency Global Control is on line one."

The space veteran returned to his desk. He pressed the line activator. "McGuffin here."

"Commander, we need a status report on all EA West deliveries and arrivals for the week."

McGuffin pawed through a sheaf of printouts. "Of course, of course...it's all here." He read off the needed statistics.

After documenting the data, the Global Control representative dropped the formal tone. "There's another matter. We've received reports of an independent craft's having left your hemisphere. What's going on there at West? You know all flights are to be pre-approved and duly regulated."

The Commander sighed and fell back in his chair. "Of course I know that! I've been at the helm here since --" Too long. "But you don't know Captain Eddie Atomic!"

"'Atomic,' you say? He's behind this independent space travel?"

"He is, indeed." McGuffin studied the cosmic chip. "Atomic has a top-flight scientific mind. A marvel, really. But unfortunately, he also has an appetite for adventure, an instinctual craving for independence."

A gasp. "But, such impulses are uncouth throwbacks. We live in reasonably-ordered, modern times, that populations might be productively channeled."

The operator protested. "But there's a risk he could jeopardize Earth Agency's deliveries and financial transactions!"

"Not a chance. Eddie Atomic has no interest in such things," McGuffin assured. "He's a wild one, I'll grant you. But otherwise harmless. He wants excitement. But no more."

Fingering Khoom's letter, the Commander began, "I just received an alarming warning that other planets..."

The operator cut him off. "Earth Agency is not interested in other planets' affairs. Eddie Atomic's independence is unacceptable. And your own tolerant attitude toward it is most troubling. Your position with Earth Agency depends upon your effective and immediate resolution of the Atomic matter. He must return to Earth immediately."

"But he is no longer an operative, I tell you! Now, about this message -"

"Earth Agency has in its top echelon experts most able to deal with external issues. Confine your attentions to Earth Agency West business."

"In terms of style, DC Larson also jumped back in time for his latest novel, 'Ghost Saucers In the Sky!' which chronicles the exploits of Captain Eddie Atomic, sprightly young copilot Spunky, and beautiful robotic navigator Kioko. Penned with such early kids TV series as Rocky Jones, Space Ranger and Flash Gordon in mind, the tale is a high-octane, planet-hopping scramble through a cosmos brimming with menacing aliens, egomaniacal villains, and physics-defying rocketry."- Jeff Berkwits, Sci Fi Magazine

"I have been reviewing books now for just about a year for Famous Monsters, and I’ve thought I’ve seen it all. Monsters, ghouls, depraved rednecks, serial killers, graphic violence and sex, etc. What I haven’t seen was a novella like this.

"If you miss the days of movie matinee serials, Flash Gordon, movies with pie plate flying saucers and strings you are going to love Shake, Rattle & Rocket.

"Just reading it brings me back to my childhood, watching reruns of classic serials, rubber monsters and spaceships dangling by a string with sparks shooting out of the back, Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine and Saturday afternoon Creature Features. DC Larson has created something that all us monster kids can sink our teeth in.

"There is no graphic violence, sex, blood or swearing at all. And believe me, there is no need for any.

"It is well written, funny and a heck of a good read. This was the most fun I have had reading in a long time. If you miss the wholesome entertainment of a bygone era you should click on the link above and get Shake, Rattle & Rocket.

"Mr. Larson has renewed my faith that you don’t need all the senseless gore, graphic sex and foul language to entertain.

"This is a book I will treasure always and when things get out of control and I need to reflect back to a simpler time I will pull it out of my library and join in the adventures Captain Eddie Atomic and his sidekicks."- Peter D. Schwotzer, Famous Monsters of Filmland

"DC Larson will launch you into a rugged retro-spectacular of cosmic proportions! 'Ghost Saucers In the Sky!' will abduct you with it's space age comic book charm, and thrill you with nostalgic futurism!"- Mr. Lobo, host of cable TV's Cinema Insomnia, star of Plan 9 (2012)

"Like Flash Gordon serials from the 50s...great stories!"- Marc Bristol, Blue Suede News"When they make that movie, I want to do the soundtrack!"- Barry Ryan, Rockats

"After only 2 chapters the characters became alive and jumped right off the pages!"- Martin Telfser, Mars Attacks

"A space age, rock 'n' roll fantasy which brought me back to mychildhood days in the 1950s. But it takes place decades from now!(How weird is that?) It's great fun and exciting. So give it a readalready!"- John Holmstrom, NYC's 1970s PUNK magazine

"As a dedicated reader of Horror Monsters Magazine and Gene Vincent's 'Be-Bop-A-Lula' being the first record I ever bought - trust me, DC Larson understands the humor and the Rock'n'Roll that goes along with the whole 1950s outer space/sci fi world! Very cool stuff!"

- Dig Wayne, Buzz and the Flyers, JoBoxers

"DC's retro-based vision of the future is much cooler and more fun than the real thing will ever be!"

- Jimmy Tremor, The Tremors

"More fun than a zombie-filled '57 Chevy racing from the

graveyard with a rockabilly soundtrack!"

- Wolfman Nick Falcon, The Young Werewolves

"Sci Fi buffs all over will dig this crazed out spacey adventure which reminds me of the nutty comic books I read in the late 1950's while wearing my tight blue-jeans, in between listening to Little Richard and watching chicks in short shorts flaunting theirs on the boardwalk! I am speechless! It's The Best In The West & The Most In The East To Say The Least!"- Ronnie Weiser, Rollin' Rock Records

"I've just finished reading DC Larson's 'Shake, Rattle & Rocket' and 'Ghost Saucers In The Sky.' These 'chapter-play' novellas are set in 2040 and 2041 respectively and feature the X-9 chromium spaceship, which is crewed by independent space scientist, Captain Eddie Atomic, and his two sidekicks: ace pilot Spunky and gorgeous robot girl Kioko.

"The books are a homage to science fiction TV series of the 50s such as 'Rocky Jones, Space Ranger' and 'Flash Gordon,' and are fast-paced - almost comic strip type - action adventures. I found both to be wonderfully refreshing reads, and it was great fun to see the heroes encounter Astro-Vampires, saucer flying teen hooligans, and minions of the evil Mystic Claw, who utter such as: "'Space Age'! Gee, it's a great time to be evil!'

"In the second adventure while they try to solve the mystery of the Ghost Saucers, they face new space monsters, the mad sorceress Rontarr and her narcissistic co-conspirator, Apollo DeMilo. My favourite line of this latter's being: "My dear, I will restrict myself to facts! I am the most stunning creature in the galaxy!" Will Eddie Atomic have to dispatch these with his Solarmanite ray pistol which goes ZXZXZXZXZXZXZ! when fired? Or will he use his scientific cunning? Buy, read, enjoy, and discover!

"'Ghost Saucers In The Sky' also contains a bonus horror short set in 1959, in which teenager Chet Bixbee in his V8 powered cherry-red modified roadster faces a dread sludge monster – possibly the accidental creation of a current Monsanto scientist's grandpappy!"

- author Chay Tana, Quest of the Solar Flower

"Great writing and imagery in classic 1950s fashion, even down to crew nicknames. I'd love to be a member of this crew. As you read on, you feel like you're there, in this fascinating world. It's a great read!"

Nightmare Planet excerpt, "Ghost Saucers In the Sky!"

Eddie skillfully navigated the compact Jet-Orbiter down onto Nekron-Nihne. Even as they set down, he and Kioko saw that the planet had once boasted a thriving populace. Empty architecture stood in magnificence, advanced and orderly. Wide thoroughfares spidered the city, but were abandoned.

As they climbed out and onto the avenue, Eddie drew his ray-gun. "Let's watch our step..!"

A pool of quicksand materialized beneath them.

Kioko thrashed, her long limbs desperate for support but finding none. Eddie lost his ray-pistol. He strained to reach the girl robot. Every muscle rippled. His square jaw clenched.

Almost…got…her!’ his fevered mind insisted.

Suddenly, they were again on stony avenue. Nothing remained of the murky sludge.

“Come on!” Eddie urged. “Let’s wrap this up before another nightmare shows up!”

But before Kioko could respond, a red-scaled, horned berserker lurched toward them. His left arm looked frozen in place, thrust out and swiping at thin air. His upraised right arm was crooked at the elbow, its hand a palsied claw.

It's ugly head was crooked onto its bony left shoulder. Its fanged mouth yawed and gnashed. Most horrifying of all was its incessant high/low groan-shriek:

They edged back. Eddie instructed Kioko, "Get to the Jet Orbiter! Get Spunky on the radio! Tell him to blast with all he's got!"

"AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH!

As the tawny girl robot dashed back to the craft, the captain squared off with the microbe-deranged reptile-beast. Earth fists flew.

Kioko tried the radio. "X-9! Come in!"

No answer.

She deduced the cause. "The same germs that render this planet's atmosphere hazardous make Jet-Orbiter console transmission impossible!"

Her analysis was interrupted by a cold, claw hand on her delicate shoulder.

"AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH!

A second germ-crazed, reptile-man loomed.

Mascaraed eyes wide with terror, she bolted. But style proved her literal downfall as she caught a high heel and tumbled in leggy disarray.

The maniacal wretch loomed over her, arm swinging wildly.

"AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH! AAAH-OHHH!"

Still battling the original attacker, Eddie saw Kioko's peril. "Say goodnight!" he yelled, knocking the infected thing to the ground.

Racing to the Jet Orbiter, he sailed into the second creature.

Kioko snatched up a fallen street sign, hoping to club the captain's lurching opponent. But the battlers' revolving set-to stymied her attempted intervention. Time and again, she targeted the attacker's head, only to pull back lest she strike Eddie.

At length, he summoned all his strength and loosed a knuckled powerhouse that flattened the germ-crazed monstrosity.

Astro-Vampire attack, "Shake, Rattle & Rocket!"

Eddie trained his eyes on the attackers, fingers curling about the hand-grip triggers. Each time a new target presented itself, he squeezed off a sizzling ray-round. Their return fire glanced off the X-9, rocking it. But the scientist had constructed it to withstand such attacks. It held.

"Keep the ship steady," Eddie shouted.

"I'm tryin', I'm tryin'!" Spunky strained at the levers.

An intense fusillade of infra-jolts scattered the swooping Astro-Vampires. They scrambled away.

"Very good, Captain Atomic!" Kioko ran to his side. "It would appear they are retreating."

Relieved, Spunky fell back in his driver's chair. He glanced through the wraparound windshield. Eyes wide, he again bolted upright. "Don't break out the cigars, yet!"

Two remaining Astro-Vampires had secured themselves to the X-9's hull. Flapping menacingly, they glared through the window.

Young Spunky veered and swayed the ship, but to no avail. "Can't shake 'em!"

Eddie raced to the port exit. "Keep steady, boy! I'm going out there!" Snatching a bulky space-suit, he admonished his colleagues. "You two stay put! Let's not have any heroes!"

Kioko protested. "Captain Atomic, I'm going with you!"

"Like fun you are!" Eddie pulled on a strap. "Those things are playing for keeps! It's going to be a free-for-all out there, and I'm not going to have you in the middle of it!"

He became practical. "Besides, if anything happens to me, Spunky'll need your analytical acumen to pull him through, get him back on Terra Firma. You're a very important robot, you know!"

She drifted, lovely eyes downcast. "Yes... A robot..."

In the cool blackness of space, Eddie spider-crawled around the X-9's outer shell. A tri-woven, plasti-fibre cord secured him to the ship. His eyes searched for the uninvited visitors.

He soon found them. "Sorry, boys." He clenched his teeth. "But, I happen to know that the Captain takes a dim view of stowaways!"

Throwing both arms around one fanged horror, he pried it away from the window. The two wrestled in the slow-motion agony of gravity-free space. Eddie's every muscle strained against inhuman peril, his bulky space-suit inhibiting defensive motion.

The lifeline grew taut. Teeth gnashing, maw dripping, the Astro-Vampire swiped at the line. In counter-move, Eddie twisted the monster off balance. He pressed the ray-gun tip to a wing.

ZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZ!

The blast seared a hole through the appendage, rendering it useless. The enraged creature fell into random floatation. The remaining intact wing flapped vainly.

Desperate, Eddie wrenched the static-antennae loose from the creature's head. The unearthly thing became frantic, its arms and legs jerking spasmodically.

A well-directed space-boot kick sent the vanquished beast arcing into the void.

The battle finished, Eddie held tight to the starship's hull and turned back toward the door.

Then he saw Kioko.

"Captain Atomic, I'll show you who's just a robot," she declared through their helmets' communication link. Salvatory guide line in hand, she inched toward the scientist. "Take hold of this and follow me."

Eddie saw a third Astro-Vampire rise up behind the unaware girl robot savior. It raised its arms, poising to strike.

Without thinking, the scientist fired his ray-pistol.

ZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZXZ!

Kioko shrieked as the ray beam passed her delicate ear and found its target, just over her shoulder. The crispy and shriveled space menace wafted away.

Enraged, Eddie crawled across the hull to Kioko. Jerking her erect, he snapped. "Now you get something straight, girl! I'm the captain of this ship and what I say, goes! There are to be no more cockamamie stunts! Understood?"